Exchanges are to be arranged through the I.V.S.A. Exchange Officer (EO) in each member faculty.

Every application must be accompanied by recommendation letter from either a faculty member or veterinarian who knows the student personally and can speak to their work ethic, experience and character.

A cover letter is required and should explain what your goals are and what your past veterinary related work experience is. Also include information about the flexibility (or lack) of your schedule for the time period you request.

A photo (scanned is acceptable) is requested so that we have a face to place with the applications. Does not have to be of passport quality.

Some countries may require a filing fee. The exchange officer will notify the student if that is the case.

The EO will send one copy of this form to the country the student wishes to visit, one copy for the student and one for him/her self.

The host country will endeavor to provide free board and lodging whenever possible.

EO's are asked to ensure that the exchange forms arrive at the host country at least 6 month before the exchange date.

The EO of the hosting country has to let the student know within the following month (i.e. 5 months before the exchange is going to take place) if an exchange is possible and if not, whether or not the application form should be sent to the 2nd choice country.

In case the application form is sent to the EO of the 2nd choice country she/he will have to let the student know within the next month if an exchange is going to take place. So the student will know at least 4 months in advance if there is going to be an exchange.

Once the exchange has been confirmed by the EO, the student MUST contact the host veterinarian/clinic to confirm personally the exchange. Contact should be established at the latest 2 months before the exchange will take place.

If no contact has been established 2 months before the exchange has to take place, it is up to the EO of the host country to find out for what reason no contact has been established. The EO has one month to accomplish this. This means that the veterinarian, both the EO and the student know at least one month before the exchange whether or not it is going to take place.

If students fail to contact the veterinarian without good reasons, she/he can be excluded from any other exchanges.

If the student requires assistance in acquiring a visa, she/he must request that information in writing at the time of application.

Students should arrange their own personal health insurance. If they choose not to, they do so at their own risk.

The above rules shall apply at the discretion of the host country.

The applicant should complete the necessary evaluation form and send it to the EOs within 30 days of completing the exchange. The EO will put the relevant information in the evaluation form that has to be sent to the Chief Exchange Officer.

All exchanges are arranged at the applicants own risk and the IVSA cannot be responsible for any loss, injury or death resulting directly or indirectly from exchanges arranged through the organization.

IVSA Member Location List

*Please note: Some IVSA member countries may be more active than others during certain years, and availability of exchanges depends on that country's exchange officer's ability to place students. The countries with stars are active this year and are more likely to be able to place students.